Okay, those who know me know that I am prone to adventures, or at least planning them. This time, I've only gone and done it;

I AM OFF TO CUBA!

So after lots and lots of consideration I have sent off my forms and will now be taking part in Cycle Cuba 2008 (13th-22nd November). Mad? Maybe. Excited? Most definately.

I shall be cycling 370km over FIVE days, starting off in Havana, The Bay of Pigs then on to Cienfuegos (~85km), Cienfuegos - Trinidad (~81km), Trinidad - Topes de Collantes (~39km), Topes de Collantes - Santa Clara (~84km) and lastly Santa Clara - Cienfuegos (~80km), where no doubt I shall collapse and vow never to ride a bike again.

For a detailed itinerary, www.actionforcharity.co.uk

As you can no doubt see, this is NOT A HOLIDAY. I shall be cycling across mixed terrain and along hilly routes, all in quite warm temperatures. For this I will have to spend the next 14 months in training, so if you happen to drive past me cycling, please don't hoot. Just drive on by and don't watch me wiggle. As well as the training and the event itself, I have to raise a minimum or £3000 to go.  All this will be done around my studies, so please help me as much as you can! Moreover, as most of you will know I haven't been exactly well for the past four years, and this challenge signifies an end to a tricky time for me. So please celebrate my coming out of hibernation by donating a few pennies to such a worthy cause!

August - September 2007
I have not long squeezed in a months membership for the local gym before I head back to University. I have been going with a friend from work which has been motivating. We have even fitted in a Pilates class..not sure if I'll be doing that one again though.
I have also started contacting local companies for support with sponsorship..waiting to hear back from them. I have drawn up a plan of action for both sponsorship ideas and training..
Anyone wishing to donate on this website, please do! I need all the help I can get! Please spread the word to friends, family and colleagues!

www.justgiving.com/grace250

 
SHOP ONLINE?
please register at www.easyfundraising.org.uk/ and AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU you could help raise funds for Women for Women by shopping through this site with up to 15% of your purchase being donated to the chosen cause. Not only that, you can even receive discounts on your order! Just select the charity as: Women for Women Cycle Cuba 2008 - Grace Houldsworth and start shopping for Christmas!

2008 So Far
Fundraising is going slowly, thanks to the ever increasing amount of uni work. So far I am relying upon collection tins placed locally which is bringing in about £20 a go. I have received permission to hold a bucket collection at Lingfield Racecourse so plan to do that over the Easter holidays some time. I am also trying to organise a quiz night and am in talks with the university for a night at the campus club (which would be amazing). I have had lots of support from family and friends; my parents have instead of sponsoring me agreed to pay for gym membership which fixes the training side of things, and friends have agreed to help with fundraising events. We are planning to do a donought sale on campus once I get around to getting the donoughts! I plan to contact the local press both at home and at uni so as to raise awareness as well. Again, please spread the word and any help either with sponsorship or fundraising help and/or suggestions would be very much appreciated!


Thanks very much for all your support!

Grace
   x 

(Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Women for Women will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.)